Strongyloides

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Strongyloides

The ARDS Executive has asked ARDS to make Strongyloides a high priority project because literally thousands of Aboriginal people in Australia are living with Strongyloides.

Strongyloides stercoralis are tiny parasitic worms that infect many Aboriginal people who live in tropical Australia. The infective worms are found in or near faeces from infected people. When the infective worms get on to the skin, they burrow through the skin and cause a disease called Strongyloidiasis

People with Strongyloidiasis have the worms until they die, unless they receive effective treatment. Typically, people with Chronic Strongyloidiasis have the disease for decades before being diagnosed and treated. Abdominal pain and diarrhoea, itchy skin rashes, respiratory symptoms are common symptoms of Chronic Strongyloidiasis.

This disease can be diagnosed by a blood and/or faeces test and readily cured, However, because its symptoms mimic those of other diseases, strongyloidiasis is often not recognized or treated.

A person with Strongyloidiasis whose immunity is impaired, or receives corticosteroids, is in danger of dying.

ARDS is advocating strongly for the public health sector to make policy based on current scientific evidence regarding Strongyloides. Academic articles can be accessed via the links below.

ARDS is currently working collaboratively with Menzies School of Health Research, undertaking community education in Galwin’ku in preparation for a community ivermectin trial to reduce the incidence of scabies and strongyloides.

ARDS educational resources: